# LIII explained — Emma

> Chapter companion for Emma by Jane Austen.

## What happens

Emma and Mr. Knightley discuss the reactions to their engagement, including John Knightley's letter and the responses from the Highbury community. Mr. Woodhouse is gradually reconciled to the match, and Mrs. Weston reflects on its suitability. The news spreads through Highbury, meeting general approval except from the Eltons.

## Themes in this chapter

### Marriage as Social Contract

The engagement is discussed in terms of practical arrangements, such as living at Hartfield to accommodate Mr. Woodhouse, highlighting marriage as a social and familial agreement.

### Gossip and Community Life

The news of the engagement spreads rapidly through Highbury, with varied reactions from the community, especially the Eltons' disapproval.

### Self-Knowledge and Growth

Emma reflects on her past mistakes with Harriet Smith and acknowledges the pain of concealment, showing her personal growth.

## Character check-ins

### Emma Woodhouse

Reflects on her past intimacy with Harriet Smith and her concealment from Mr. Knightley; discusses the engagement with him and her father.

### Mr. Knightley

Shares John's letter with Emma, discusses the engagement, and notes the community's reactions.

### Mr. Woodhouse

Gradually comes to accept the marriage after assurances from Mrs. Weston and others.

### Mrs. Weston

Supports the match wholeheartedly, persuades Mr. Woodhouse, and reflects on its advantages.

### Mr. Elton

Dismisses the engagement with a spiteful remark, caring little about it.

### Mrs. Elton

Expresses strong displeasure and jealousy over the engagement, criticizing the plan to live at Hartfield.

## Key lines

> I will promise to call you once by your Christian name. I do not say when, but perhaps you may guess where;—in the building in which N. takes M. for better, for worse.

Emma playfully promises to call Mr. Knightley by his first name at their wedding.

_Emma's teasing reference to the marriage ceremony._

> The pain of being obliged to practise concealment towards him, was very little inferior to the pain of having made Harriet unhappy.

Emma feels almost as bad about hiding things from Mr. Knightley as she does about hurting Harriet.

_Emma's internal conflict over her past actions._

> It was a union of the highest promise of felicity in itself, and without one real, rational difficulty to oppose or delay it.

Mrs. Weston sees the marriage as perfectly happy and without any genuine obstacles.

_Mrs. Weston's optimistic view of Emma and Mr. Knightley's match._

> Rather he than I!

Mr. Elton says he would rather be in Mr. Knightley's place than have to live at Hartfield.

_Mr. Elton's spiteful comment about the engagement._

> Poor Knightley! poor fellow!—sad business for him.

Mrs. Elton expresses false pity for Mr. Knightley, thinking he has made a bad match.

_Mrs. Elton's jealous and disapproving reaction._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/emma_se/chapters/liii
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/emma_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/emma_se/chapters